28th-30th October, 2023

1. Regional Connectivity Service (RCS)- UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) has completed 6 years.
2. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has launched India’s first specialised reference petrol and diesel.
3. Ministry of Coal and Ministry of New & Renewable Energy have decided to work together for the promotion of Green Energy.
4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has released 3 books at Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh.
5. PM Narendra Modi will kickstart Nationwide Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra to promote awareness about welfare schemes on the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda on November 15.
6. TATA Group has become India’s first iPhone Manufacturer after buying Wistron plant near Bengaluru.
7. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has inaugurated 16th Urban Mobility India Conference & Exhibition 2023 in New Delhi.
8. Central Government has launched Dark Pattern Hackathon 2023 to combat deceptive practices in E-Commerce.
9. Reliance Jio has launched India’s first satellite-based Gigabit Broadband service for remote connectivity.
10. Jio MAMI Film Festival has been inaugurated at Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre.
11. Kerala has become the first state in India to have gold hallmarking centres in all districts.
12. 24th Hornbill festival 2023 will be celebrated in Nagaland from December 1.
13. Delhi Government has launched Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana to provide free coaching to medical, engineering and civil services.
14. Karnataka has launched Hostile Activity Watch Kernel (HAWK) system to monitor all aspect of forest and wildlife crime.
15. Indigenously built Air Traffic Management Automation System (ATMAS) has been inaugurated at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.
16. Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has been appointed as the 17th King of Malaysia.
17. Union Government has appointed Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to help prepare a Vision 2047 document.
18. Mobikwik’s payment gateway arm Zaakpay has received in-principle authorization from RBI to operate as payment aggregator.
19. Bank of Baroda has launched a lifetime zero balance account named BoB LITE Saving Account as part of ‘BoB ke Sang Tyohaar Ki Umang’ festive campaign.
20. RBL Bank has launched zero-balance Go Savings account.
21. AU Small Finance Bank has launched ‘Planet first- AU Green Fixed Deposit’ committed to climate action.
22. Escrowpay has received India’s first digital regulatory fintech authorization from International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
23. Indian Air Force has signed a contract with an Indian Manufacturer for the procurement of Automatic Weather Stations at 82 IAF stations.
24. India and European Union have conducted their first joint Naval Exercise in Gulf of Guinea.
25. October 25– World Dwarfism Day
26. October 27– World Day for Audiovisual Heritage; Theme– ‘Your Window to the World’
27. October 27– 77th Infantry Day
28. October 28- International Animation Day
29. October 29– International Day of Care and Support

National News

1. Regional Connectivity Service (RCS)- UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) has completed 6 years.
   • About UDAN–
     • It is an initiative to improve infrastructure and connectivity in remote and underserved regions.
     • It is an important component of India’s National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016.
     • Launched by– Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA)
     • Launch Date– October 21, 2016
     • Vision- 10-year vision
       Source: PIB

2. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has launched India’s first specialised reference petrol and diesel.
   • About reference petrol and diesel–
     • These fuels have higher specifications.
     • They are used for calibrating and testing automobiles by manufacturers and testing agencies.

3. Ministry of Coal and Ministry of New & Renewable Energy have decided to work together for the promotion of Green Energy.
   • Initiatives under the partnership–
     • Net Zero Plan and Solar Energy Capacity:
       • Over 1600 MW of solar energy generation capacity already installed and another 500 MW at various stages of development.
     • Utilization of Surplus Land:
       • The surplus land from de-coaled coal companies, including open cast mines with naturally available water storage reservoirs and sufficient elevation, will be repurposed for green hydrogen projects.

     • Capacity Building and Knowledge Partnerships:
       • The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will support the capacity building of engineers, technicians, and other personnel through the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE)
     • Future Generation Capacity and Land Identification:
       • CPSEs under the Ministry of Coal aim to create a generation capacity of about 12GW by 2030 and are in the process of identifying suitable land patches of more than 300 acres each to offer to private investors for setting up green hydrogen projects in alignment with the policies of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
         Source: PIB

4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has released 3 books at Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh.
   • Books Released-
     • Ashtadhyayi Bhashya
     • Ramanandacharya Charitram
     • Bhagwan Shri Krishna ki Rashtraleela
       Source: ANI
     
     
5. PM Narendra Modi will kickstart Nationwide Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra to promote awareness about welfare schemes on the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda on November 15.
   • Objective:
     • To create awareness and ensure Jan Bhagidari in developmental and welfare schemes to achieve India’s goal of becoming a developed country by 2047.
   • Key features of campaign–
     • Coverage:
       • All gram panchayats and over three thousand 700 Urban Local Bodies, covering around 14 thousand locations in urban areas.

     • Key Schemes to be Showcased:
       • Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Awas Yojana, PM PRANAM Yojana, and Urea Subsidy Scheme among others.

     • On-the-Spot Services:
       • Health camps, Aadhaar enrolment, MY BHARAT volunteer enrolment, and Krishi activities like drone demonstrations and interaction with progressive farmers on soil health cards and natural farming.
         Source: AIR

6. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has inaugurated 16th Urban Mobility India Conference & Exhibition 2023 in New Delhi.
   • The event was organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.
   • Awards for ‘Excellence/best practice projects in Urban Transport’ is distributed.
   • Theme- Integrated and Resilient Urban Transport
     Source: PIB
7. Central Government has launched Dark Pattern Hackathon 2023 to combat deceptive practices in E-Commerce.
   • Objective–
     • To provide protection to consumers from all types of unfair trade practices.
   • Collaboration–
     • Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India in collaboration with IIT BHU
   • Solution will be provided on –
     • Browser extension, plugins, add-ons, mobile application etc.
       Source: PIB

8. Union Government has appointed Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to help prepare a Vision 2047 document.
   • About Vision 2047 document–
     • The document will set India’s medium-term goals and priorities for becoming a developed economy in the next quarter of a century.

Source: livemint

State News

1. Kerala has become the first state in India to have gold hallmarking centres in all districts.
   • Objective–
     • To make Kerala a hub of gold business and make it most reliable market in country to buy gold ornaments.

     
     
   • About Kerala Gold Business-
     • Gold business in Kerala is worth more than ₹1 lakh crore with annual sales of around 250 tonnes.
     • There are around 12,000 gold merchants in the State.

2. 24th Hornbill festival 2023 will be celebrated in Nagaland from December 1.
   • About Hornbill Festival–
     • The Hornbill Festival is an annual festival celebrated from 1 to 10 of December in the Northeastern Indian state of Nagaland.
     • The festival represents all ethnic group of Nagalandfor which it is also called the Festival of Festivals.
       Source: morung

   
   
3. Delhi Government has launched Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana to provide free coaching to medical, engineering and civil services.
   • Objective–
     • To provide quality coaching for economically disadvantaged Scheduled Castes (SCs) candidates.
     • To enable them to compete in competitive examinations and secure jobs in the public or private sector.

   • Courses Covered:
     • Group A and B examinations by UPSC, SSC, RRBs, and Judicial Services Examination.
     • Group A and B examinations by State Public Service Commission.
     • Officers’ Grade examinations by Banks, Insurance Companies, and PSUs.
     • Premier Entrance Examinations for Engineering, Medical, Management, Law, and other disciplines.
   • Implementing Agencies:
     • Reputed institutions/centres run by registered private institutions/NGOs.
       Source: TOI
     
     

   
   
   
   
4. Karnataka has launched Hostile Activity Watch Kernel (HAWK) system to monitor all aspect of forest and wildlife crime.
   • Launched by–
     • Karnataka Forest Department and Wildlife Trust of India

     
     
   • Supported by–
     • Digital Services Company NTT Data
   • What will the system do?
     • It would help the department monitor such as the death of wildlife, suspected criminal activities, and the movement of suspicious vehicles in real-time basis.
     • Information will be fed into a centralised system so that effective and pre-emptive responses, including counteraction, could be initiated.
       Source: The Hindu

   
   
5. Indigenously built Air Traffic Management Automation System (ATMAS) has been inaugurated at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.
   • What is ATMAS?
     • It is an automation system which will provide information conflict prediction or Alert warning and decision-making tools to Air Traffic Controllers.
   • Developed by–
     • Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

   • Benefits–
     • ATMAS will help to improve safety, efficiency, and capacity of air traffic management in India.
     • It will reduce the dependency on foreign system
       Source: TOI

Banking and Economy

1. Mobikwik’s payment gateway arm Zaakpay has received in-principle authorization from RBI to operate as payment aggregator.
   • Benefit of Authorization– x
     • It will enable Zaakpay to onboard new merchants onto its platform for processing of online payment.
     • Difference between Payment Gateway and Payment Aggregators-

2. Bank of Baroda has launched a lifetime zero balance account named BoB LITE Saving Account as part of ‘BoB ke Sang Tyohaar Ki Umang’ festive campaign.
   • Key features–
     • Lifetime zero balance savings account
     • Lifetime Free RuPay Platinum Debit Card with a host of attractive features, subject to maintenance of Quarterly Average Balance as follows:
     • Rs. 3000 for Metro/Urban branches
     • Rs. 2000 for Semi Urban branches
     • Rs. 1000 for Rural branches
     • Lifetime Free Credit Card, subject to eligibility
     • Attractive discounts and offers on Bank of Baroda Debit & Credit Cards
   • 30 free cheque leaves in a financial year
   • Eligibility– Resident individual including the minors above the age of 10 years.
   • Campaign Date– It will run until December 31, 2023

3. RBL Bank has launched zero-balance Go Savings account.
   • Key features–
     • It offers high interest rate up to 7.5% p.a.
     • A premium debit card and vouchers worth 1500 for premier brands
     • It also offers comprehensive cyber insurance cover, accident and travel insurance up to 1 crore and free CIBIL Report.
     • Premium banking services are offered as single package at first year subscription fee of ₹1999 along with renewal fee of thereafter of ₹599+taxes.

4. AU Small Finance Bank has launched ‘Planet first- AU Green Fixed Deposit’ committed to climate action.
   • Objective–
     • To direct its entire proceeds towards bolstering renewable and environmentally friendly initiatives, such as solar power generation and electric mobility solutions.
   • Key features–
     • Minimum Investment amount- ₹5000
     • Interest rate- up to 8.50%
     • Tenure- 2 years to 5 years
     • Interest payment options- monthly, quarterly, and cumulative (at maturity)

5. Escrowpay has received India’s first digital regulatory fintech authorization from International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
   • The authorisation will provide secure and efficient financial solutions to 70 million SMEs in India.
   • It will enable the company to improve its offering and commence cross-border transaction in over 14 countries.

6. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has launched India’s first specialised reference petrol and diesel.
   • About reference petrol and diesel–
     • These fuels have higher specifications.
     • They are used for calibrating and testing automobiles by manufacturers and testing agencies.

7. TATA Group has become India’s first iPhone Manufacturer after buying Wistron plant near Bengaluru.
   Source: livemint
8. Reliance Jio has launched India’s first satellite-based Gigabit Broadband service for remote connectivity.
   • Objective–
     • To extend high-speed internet access to previously untapped regions in India.
     • It was officially unveiled at India Mobile Congress.

9. Jio MAMI Film Festival has been inaugurated at Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre.
   • About Jio MAMI–
     • It is organised by Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI)
     • Every year, handpicked films from across genres are screened at the festival
     • This year festival opened with Hansal Mehta’s ‘The Buckingham Murders.

   • Objective–
     • To present the best of cinema and provide a larger ecosystem for cinematic voices in South Asia.
       Source: Deccan Herald

Defence News

1. Indian Air Force has signed a contract with an Indian Manufacturer for the procurement of Automatic Weather Stations at 82 IAF stations.
   • Objectives–
     • To improve aerospace safety by providing real time weather updates during flying and training operations
     • To uphold the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), emphasizing the importance of adhering to international maritime law
       Source: IDRW
     
     

2. India and European Union have conducted their first joint Naval Exercise in Gulf of Guinea.
   • Objective–
     • To reinforce naval maritime security cooperation in support of the region.
   • Participation-
     • Indian Navy Ship- INS Sumedha, an Offshore Patrol Vessel
     • Italian Navy Ship- ITS Foscari
     • French Navy Ship- FS Ventôse
     • Spanish Navy Ship- Tornado
   • Knowledge Sharing–
     • A knowledge sharing session took place in Accra, Ghana, following the maritime exercises.
   • Benefits-
     • To strengthen commitment of India and the EU to assist coastal states and reinforce the Yaoundé Architecture for ensuring maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
       Source: PIB

Important Days

1. October 25– World Dwarfism Day
   • Dwarfism is a medical condition which causes short stature.
   • It is generally defined as an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches (147 centimetres) or less. The average adult height among people with dwarfism is 4 feet (122 cm).
     Source: PIB

2. October 27– World Day for Audiovisual Heritage; Theme– ‘Your Window to the World’
   Source: UNESCO
3. October 27– 77^th Infantry Day
   Source: livemint
4. October 27– 76th Shaurya Diwas
   Source: ANI
5. October 28- International Animation Day
   Source: asifa
6. October 29– International Day of Care and Support
   Source: UN

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Indian Red Cross Society of Andhra Pradesh has signed an MoU with National Cadet Corps (NCC) to provide better services in Andhra Pradesh.
   • About MoU–
     • It will help to extend more services to the needy during emergencies in State.
     • About 1.60 lakh NCC students will be enrolled as Youth Red Cross Volunteers in State.

2. India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and France’s Safran have signed MoU to develop industrial cooperation in ring forging manufacturing for commercial engines.
   • Objective–
     • HAL will produce LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion, powering the Airbus A320 Neo family and Boeing 737 Max) engine forgings at its foundry and forge facility in Bengaluru.

Source: Hindu Business Line

Appointmnents

1. Three Indians have been named in 39-member UN High-level advisory body on Artificial Intelligence announced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
   • Objective–
     • To support the international community’s efforts to govern artificial intelligence.
     • This body consists of eminent technology experts from various sectors, including government, private sector, research community, civil society, and academia.
   • Members from India:
     • Amandeep Singh Gill, the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology
     • Sharad Sharma, co-founder of iSPIRT Foundation
     • Nazneen Rajani, Lead Researcher at Hugging Face, India

2. World Steel Association has elected Leon Topalian as 45th Chairman and India’s TV Narendran as Vice Chairman.
   • TV Narendran is MD & CEO of Tata Steel Limited.
     Source: ET
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has been appointed as the 17th King of Malaysia.
   • He is a sultan from southern state of Johor.

   
   

Source: The Hindu

Miscellaneous

1. Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan and Economist Rohit Lamba have authored a new book ‘Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future’
   • Book is published by Penguin Business.
     Source: livemint
   
   
   
   

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